2022 Federal Tax Delivery Time
If you are curious about when you or your clients should receive a tax refund, the answer depends on how the tax return was filed (electronically or by mail) and how the taxpayer chooses to receive the refund (bank deposit or check by mail). You can see the different time tables for tax refund delivery in the calendar below.
| Tax Refund Delivery Type |
Tax Refund Delivery Time |
| E-file and direct deposit |
1–3 weeks (usually 2 weeks) |
| Paper file by mail and direct deposit |
3 weeks |
| E-file and tax refund check by mail |
6–8 weeks |
| Paper file by mail and tax refund check by mail |
6–8 weeks |
2022 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Are you wondering what date you should receive your federal tax refund? The IRS issues over 90% of tax refunds in less than 21 days after the tax returns are processed. The IRS has currently not released an official tax refund calendar for the 2022 tax season (2021 tax year). Still, based on statements from the IRS and trends over past years, the estimates in the following chart should be accurate for the vast majority of taxpayers (see exceptions below).
The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on January 24, 2022.
|
Date Return Filed
|
Date Direct Deposit Sent
|
Date Paper Check Mailed
|
|
January 31, 2022
|
February 11, 2022
|
February 18, 2022
|
|
February 7
|
February 18
|
February 25
|
|
February 14
|
February 25
|
March 4
|
|
February 21
|
March 4
|
March 11
|
|
February 28
|
March 11
|
March 18
|
|
March 7
|
March 18
|
March 25
|
|
March 14
|
March 251
|
April 21
|
|
March 21
|
April 11
|
April 91
|
|
March 28
|
April 81
|
April 151
|
|
April 4
|
April 151
|
April 221
|
|
April 11
|
April 22
|
April 25
|
|
April 18
|
April 29
|
May 6
|
|
April 25
|
May 6
|
May 13
|
|
May 2
|
May 131
|
May 201
|
|
May 9
|
May 20
|
May 27
|
|
May 16
|
May 27
|
June 4
|
|
May 23
|
June 4
|
June 11
|
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Tracking Your 2022 Tax Refund
The IRS has provided two free tools for taxpayers to track the status of their 2022 tax refund:
To check the status of your tax refund using either of these tools, you will need:
To use the online Where's My Refund tool, you will need to enter your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and refund amount. If you entered the information correctly, the tool should take you to a page showing the status of your tax refund. If it shows an error, you may be prompted to verify your information and to try again. If the information you entered was correct, it will ask you to enter the date you filed your taxes and whether you filed electronically or by mail.
The IRS2Go mobile app works in a similar way and requires the same information as the online tool. The data used by the mobile app is only updated once every 24 hours, so if you don't initially see a change in your return's status, check again the next day.
Taxpayers should be able to see their tax return status within 24 hours if they filed their tax return electronically. If they submit their tax return by mail, it may take up to four weeks to see their refund status.
Tax Return Status: Received, Approved, Sent
Both the online and mobile tax refund status tools use the same three messages to show your tax refund status:
- Received: The IRS has your tax return and is processing it.
- Approved: The IRS has approved your tax return and confirmed the amount of your tax refund (if a refund is warranted).
- Sent: Your refund has been sent using the method you specified, whether electronically to your bank or as a check in the mail.
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How to Get Your Tax Refund as Fast as Possible
If you want your tax refund as soon as possible, you are far from alone. Here's what taxpayers can do to ensure they receive their tax refund as quickly as possible.
Request Direct Deposit
According to the IRS, the best and fastest way to receive your tax refund is to opt for direct deposit into your bank account. The IRS allows your tax refund to be deposited into one account or split between separate accounts.
Mistakes on tax returns are the biggest slow-down in receiving tax refunds. You can ensure your tax return and refund are processed quickly by double or triple checking the information on your tax return before you file.
Here are some questions you can ask while double checking your tax return information:
- Did you review the identifying numbers (SSN or ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents?
- Is the information for your dependents correct?
- Did you Check to make sure your routing and account number are accurate for direct deposit?
- Did you electronically sign your tax return?
File Your Tax Return Electronically
The IRS says combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the quickest way to get your tax refund. Over 90% of tax refunds are issued in less than 21 days.
If your adjusted gross income is less than $72,000, you can file your tax return electronically for free using the IRS Free File Program. Otherwise you will need a the assistance of tax software or a tax professional. Tax software can also flag any errors or mistakes on your tax return ahead of time.
Tax CPE Courses from WebCE
WebCE wants tax professionals and taxpayers to have the most up-to-date information during tax season. Tax professionals are encouraged to order tax continuing professional education (CPE) courses so you’ll be completely prepared for the 2022 tax season (2021 tax year) and able to help your clients to the best of your ability.
Tax CPE Course Catalog